After the Ukrainian Defense Minister, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also warned against overly high expectations of the Ukrainian army’s expected spring offensive. “Do not consider this counter-offensive as the last, because we do not know what will come of it,” he told the “Bild” newspaper.
Only if this offensive succeeds in liberating the areas occupied by Russia will it be the last. “But if not, then that means we need to prepare for the next counter-offensive.”
Kuleba emphasized that Ukraine needs significantly more armaments for its fight against the Russian occupying forces. “Because to win the war you need guns, guns and more guns,” he said. Much depends on Germany, which, with the armaments group Rheinmetall, has “a kind of titan of the armaments industry in Europe and probably in the world”.
Leopard tanks already in service in Ukraine
In addition to ammunition, tanks and anti-aircraft systems, Ukraine primarily needs combat aircraft. Kuleba relied on help from Berlin for the procurement of modern F16 fighter jets. Unlike the Leopard tanks, the decision here does not lie with Germany, but with the USA.
“What we expect from Germany is to play an active role in building a coalition of countries: who will convince the United States to push the green button?” Germany can do a lot here.
According to General Inspector Carsten Breuer, Ukraine is making progress with its preparations for an offensive against the Russian attackers. “I was explained how the fight is fought on the front lines. The ground is still muddy and damp. There are still large lakes in some of the fields. The conditions for a comprehensive offensive were not yet in place in the last few weeks,” said Breuer of the German Press Agency.
The highest-ranking German soldier was in Ukraine last week, where he met army chief Valery Saluschny and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Resnikov. “But it has become clear to me in all conversations that plans for the Ukrainian offensive are underway.”
Breuer informed himself about practical experiences with German military aid, including modern anti-aircraft systems, self-propelled howitzers and also the Leopard 2 main battle tank. This is therefore now being used in battles. “What was made clear to me is that he’s in action,” Breuer said.
The inspector general was first in Poland and then in Ukraine for two days. He then assured that support for Ukraine was “a top priority”. Breuer said: “I experienced nothing of war fatigue, but an almost irrepressible will not only to end this war, but also to win it.” (dpa)
